Dennis was a 1977 graduate and a men’s basketball player.  He was a member of the second men’s basketball team at Avila College.  While playing for the Avila Avalanche, he was the game high leading scorer 24 times during his career, with an 18.7 point average his junior year, and led the team in assists with 102 in the 1975-76 season.  He earned first team All-District honors his junior and senior years.  After graduating from Avila, he returned to become an assistant coach under Bill Waris.  He served as assistant coach from 1977-78 to 1981-82.  He was named the head coach for the 1982-83 season, and served in this capacity for six years through 1988-89 campaign.  As a head coach, his career record was 77-96.